Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix now expected to end in March

The hand Daniel Cormier broke on Antonio Silva's skull is taking its time to heal, and Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker today said the end of the promotion's heavyweight grand prix is waiting on that paw.

"We'll take it on a week-by-week basis," Coker said.

At the moment, the finals of the eight-man tournament are expected to late place in "late first quarter," or March.

"That's the month that we're shooting for," he said.

Coker said Cormier (9-0 MMA, 6-0 SF) is soon due back at the doctor for a follow-up visit. The fighter had a protective cast removed several weeks ago. Presumably, the fighter will receive a timeframe for when he can start hitting things and prepare for Josh Barnett (31-5 MMA, 1-0 SF), who awaits him in a five-round fight for the heavyweight-grand-prix belt.